Bus safety arm

ABSTRACT

A safety sign device is for a vehicle. The safety sign device may include a hinge being coupled a side of the vehicle, and an arm. The arm may include an elongate base, an electric motor coupled to the elongate base, an elongate housing coupled to the elongate base, and visual indicators carried by the elongate housing. The safety sign device may also include a sign coupled to the arm and being parallel to the arm. The hinge may include a pin, and a link assembly coupled between the pin and the electric motor and being rotatable about the pin. The electric motor may be configured to extend and retract the arm between a retracted position and an extended position.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to provisional patent application Ser.No. 63/014,821 filed Apr. 24, 2020 and is a continuation-in-part ofapplication Ser. No. 17/021,142 filed Sep. 15, 2020, which is acontinuation of application Ser. No. 16/505,848 filed Jul. 9, 2019, nowU.S. Pat. No. 10,780,823, which is a continuation of application Ser.No. 16/040,646 filed Jul. 20, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,343,598, whichis a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 15/595,015 filed May15, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,062,309, which are hereby incorporatedherein in their entireties by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of safety devices, and, moreparticularly, to a school bus safety device and related methods.

BACKGROUND

Given the primary purpose of a school bus vehicle, these vehiclesinclude several safety devices. Indeed, governmental regulation, bothfederal and state level, require certain features. In particular, theFederal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for School Buses requiresschool bus pedestrian safety devices, for example, a stop signal arm,roll over protection, body joint strength, and passenger seating andcrash protection. Of course, the federal and state regulations merelyestablish a floor requirement for safety devices, and there is a robustmarket for supplemental safety devices, such as the near ubiquitousschool bus crossing arm.

Federal regulations define the “[s]top signal arm means [as] a devicethat can be extended outward from the side of a school bus to provide asignal to other motorists not to pass the bus because it has stopped toload or discharge passengers.” 49 C.F.R. § 571.131. Regulations mandatethe shape and font lettering size for the stop signal arm. Nevertheless,there have been several approaches to improving the visibility of thestop signal arm.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 9,245,465 to Geyer et al. discloses anotherapproach to the stop signal arm device. This device extends further intothe adjacent lane to reduce instances in which motorists pass a stoppedschool bus. A first frame is permanently secured to conventional stopsign mechanism. A second breakaway frame or arm is attachable to anddetachable from the first frame, and extends beyond the conventionalstop sign. If a vehicle strikes the second frame, it separates withoutsignificantly damaging the conventional stop sign mechanism. Theextension arm can be moved between a retracted and extended position bythe same mechanism that opens and closes the conventional stop sign, orwith a new mechanism entirely.

SUMMARY

Generally, a safety sign device is for a vehicle. The safety sign devicemay include a hinge being coupled a side of the vehicle, and an arm. Thearm may include an elongate base, an electric motor coupled to theelongate base, an elongate housing coupled to the elongate base, and aplurality of visual indicators carried by the elongate housing. Thesafety sign device may also comprise a sign coupled to the arm and beingsubstantially parallel to the arm. The hinge may include a pin, and alink assembly coupled between the pin and the electric motor and beingrotatable about the pin. The electric motor may be configured to extendand retract the arm between a retracted position and an extendedposition.

More specifically, the link assembly may comprise first and second linkarms coupled between the pin and the electric motor, and the first andsecond link arms may be rotatable about the pin. The arm may comprise aconnection assembly coupled between the elongate base and the elongatehousing. The connection assembly may comprise first and second elasticdevices coupled to adjacent portions of the elongate base, and theconnection assembly may be configured to permit the elongate housing tobe flexible with respect to the elongate base. The connection assemblymay further comprise first and second flexible strips coupled to theelongate housing, and a housing receiving the first and second flexiblestrips opposite the elongate housing. Also, the housing may receive thefirst and second elastic devices respectively on opposing surfaces ofthe housing, and the housing may be movable between the first and secondelastic devices.

Moreover, the plurality of visual indicators may be configured to beactivated when the arm is in the extended position. The elongate housingmay comprise opposing first and second longitudinal sides, and theplurality of visual indicators may be carried on both of the opposingfirst and second longitudinal sides. In some embodiments, the safetysign may further comprise an image sensor, and a sensor coupled to theimage sensor and configured to detect when the arm is flexed beyond athreshold limit while in the extended position. The sensor may betriggered, the image sensor device is configured to record an areaadjacent the arm.

Another aspect is directed to a method for making a safety sign devicefor a vehicle. The method may include coupling a hinge to a side of thevehicle, and coupling an arm to the hinge. The arm may include anelongate base, an electric motor coupled to the elongate base, anelongate housing coupled to the elongate base, and a plurality of visualindicators carried by the elongate housing. The method may furtherinclude coupling a sign to the arm and being substantially parallel tothe arm. The hinge may comprise a pin, and a link assembly coupledbetween the pin and the electric motor and being rotatable about thepin. The electric motor may be configured to extend and retract the armbetween a retracted position and an extended position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a safety sign device and associatedvehicle, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the safety sign device in an extendedposition.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the safety sign device in a retractedposition.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the safety sign device in theextended position.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a third sign in an example embodiment of thesafety sign device in an extended position.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a retention device in an example embodiment ofthe safety sign device in a retracted position.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the safety signdevice and associated vehicle, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the safety sign device of FIG. 7 in anextended position.

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of thesafety sign device in an extended position and associated vehicle,according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 10A is a schematic view of a portion of the elongate housing of thesafety sign device of FIG. 9.

FIG. 10B is a schematic enlarged view of the elongate housing of thesafety sign device of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a sign assembly of the safety sign deviceof FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of an elongate base of the safety signdevice of FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of the elongate base, with portions of thehousing removed, of the safety sign device of FIG. 9 in a retractedposition.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a link assembly and an electric motor ofthe safety sign device of FIG. 9.

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of a connection assembly of the safety signdevice of FIG. 9.

FIG. 16 is a schematic view of a retention plate of the safety signdevice of FIG. 9.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of a link arm of the safety sign deviceof FIG. 9.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of a toggle fitting of the safety signdevice of FIG. 9.

FIG. 19 is a schematic top plan view of the elongate base of the safetysign device of FIG. 9 with the housing removed.

FIG. 20 is a schematic top front view of the elongate housing and signassembly of another embodiment of the safety sign device of FIG. 9 withthe housing removed, according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which several embodiments ofthe invention are shown. This present disclosure may, however, beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and willfully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in theart. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and base 100reference numerals are used to indicate similar elements in alternativeembodiments.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-4, a safety sign device 10 according tothe present disclosure is now described. The safety sign device 10 isillustratively attached to a vehicle 11. The vehicle 11 may comprise,for example, a school bus (providing a stop signal device), or a truck.The safety sign device 10 illustratively includes a first sign (e.g. astop sign) 12 having proximal (i.e. closer to the vehicle) and distal(i.e. further from the vehicle) ends, and a first hinge 19 being coupledto the proximal end of the first sign. The first hinge 19 is alsocoupled to a side of the vehicle 11.

The safety sign device 10 illustratively includes a second hinge 20being coupled to the distal end of the first sign 12, and a second sign(e.g. a stop sign) 13 having a medial portion coupled to the secondhinge, thereby providing a dual hinged/dual signed safety sign device.The first and second hinges 19, 20 are coupled at opposite sides of thefirst sign 12. The safety sign device 10 illustratively includes an arm17 coupled between the second sign 13 and the side of the vehicle 11 andconfigured to extend and retract the first and second signs 12-13between a retracted position (FIG. 3) and an extended position (FIG. 2).

As will be appreciated, in the school bus application, the first andsecond signs 12-13 would be in the extended position when stopped andtransferring passengers. The first and second signs 12-13 are transverseto each other in the extended position. In particular, the first andsecond signs 12-13 are substantially perpendicular to each other in theextended position, i.e. between 75-105 degrees.

Also, the first and second signs 12-13 are flat against the side of thevehicle 11 in the retracted position. As will be appreciated, in theschool bus application, the first and second signs 12-13 would be in theretracted position when the vehicle 11 is in motion. In other words, thefirst and second signs 12-13 are substantially parallel to each other inthe retracted position, i.e. within 20 degrees of parallel to eachother.

The safety sign device 10 further illustratively includes a firstflexible arm 14 coupled to the first sign 12 and comprising an elongatehousing 16, and a plurality of visual indicators 21 a-211 carried by theelongate housing. In some embodiments, the plurality of visualindicators 21 a-211 comprises text based indicators, such as “stop”,“slow”, “caution”, which may be selectively activated via embedded lightsources.

The first flexible arm 14 is substantially parallel to the first sign12. In particular, in a rest/non-flexed state, the first flexible arm 14is within 20 degrees of parallel to the first sign 12. Helpfully, thefirst flexible arm 14 enhances visibility, and readily flexes to impactfrom errant vehicles.

In particular, the first flexible arm 14 illustratively includes anelastic base 15 coupled between the elongate housing 16 and the firstsign 12. For example, the elastic base 15 may comprise a plurality ofsprings, a double barreled hinge, or a 180 degree swivel hinge. In someembodiments, the elastic base 15 includes a plurality of aligned heavyduty springs. In other embodiments, the elastic base 15 may comprise aflexible polymer base having an H-shape. For example, the elastic base15 may be constituted similarly to the lower portion of the trafficbeacon disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,938,594 to Schindler, the entirecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

In fact, due to the elastic base 15, if the first flexible arm 14 isimpacted during an accident, the elongate housing 16 will readily bendaway and return to its original position. Helpfully, the first flexiblearm 14 is resistant to damage and inflicts little damage on the othervehicle. This is contrast to the breakaway approach of U.S. Pat. No.9,245,465 to Geyer et al., which is costly to repair. Moreover, thelight weight approach of the safety sign device 10 is readilyretrofitted onto existing stop signal devices.

Also, the first flexible arm 14 has lower position close to the ground,than the approach of the '465 patent, which makes it more difficult forerrant vehicles to drive under the warning arm. The first flexible arm14 also extends longitudinally further out than the approach of the '465patent, which enhances visibility.

In another embodiment, the elongate housing 16 of the first flexible arm14 may comprise a rubberized external layer (other materials could beused, e.g., foam plastic). Helpfully, this rubberized external layerprevents damage to errant vehicles. Also, the external layer preventsinadvertent damage to a paint layer of the side of the vehicle 11.

The plurality of visual indicators 21 a-211 is configured to beactivated when the first and second signs 12-13 are in the extendedposition. In some embodiments, the elongate housing 16 comprisesopposing first and second longitudinal sides, and the plurality ofvisual indicators 21 a-211 is to be carried on both of the opposingfirst and second longitudinal sides. Additionally, the plurality ofvisual indicators 21 a-211 may comprise a plurality of LEDs.

In some embodiments, the elongate housing 16 may comprise ananti-ballistic plastic material. In other embodiments, the elongatehousing 16 may comprise a metallic material or cellulose material (e.g.wood material).

In the illustrated embodiment, the safety sign device 10 furtherillustratively includes a fourth hinge 24, and first and second supports22-23 coupled between the fourth hinge and the first sign 12. The firstflexible arm 14 is coupled to a medial joint of the first and secondsupports 22-23. In other embodiments, the first flexible arm 14 may becoupled directly to the first sign 12, thereby eliminating the first andsecond supports 22-23.

The safety sign device 10 illustratively includes a motor 18 coupled tothe arm 17 and configured to toggle the first and second signs 12-13between the extended and retracted positions. In some embodiments, themotor 18 may be alternatively coupled to the first hinge 19 forextending the first sign 12. Advantageously, via the action of the arm17 and the second hinge 20, the second sign 13 rotates outward into thetransverse position.

Referring now additionally to FIG. 5, the safety sign device 10illustratively includes a third sign 25 having proximal and distal ends,and a third hinge 29 being coupled to the proximal end of the thirdsign. The third hinge 29 is coupled to the side of the vehicle 11 spacedapart from the first hinge 19 and adjacent a rear of the vehicle. Thesafety sign device 10 illustratively includes a second flexible arm 30coupled to the distal end of the third sign 25. The second flexible arm30 illustratively includes an elastic base 26 coupled to the distal endof the third sign 25, an elongate housing 27 coupled to the elasticbase, and a plurality of visual indicators 31 a-31 d carried by theelongate housing.

The safety sign device 10 illustratively includes an additional motor28, and a third hinge 29 powered by the motor to switch betweenretracted and extended (FIG. 5) positions. In the extended position, thesecond flexible arm 30 is substantially parallel to the third sign 25.In particular, in a rest/non-flexed state, the second flexible arm 30 iswithin 20 degrees of parallel to the third sign 25. In the retractedposition, the third sign 25 and the second flexible arm 30 are flatagainst the side of the vehicle 11. In other words, the third sign 25 issubstantially parallel to the side of vehicle 11, i.e. within 20 degreesof parallel to each other.

In some embodiments, the motors 18, 28 may be onboard motors provided bythe vehicle 11. In other embodiment, the motors 18, 28 be modular andseparate from the original vehicle, i.e. aftermarket.

In yet another embodiment (FIG. 6), the safety sign device 10illustratively includes a retention device 32 coupled to the side of thevehicle 11. The retention device 32 is configured to retain the firstflexible arm 14 firmly and securely against the side of the vehicle 11while in the retracted position. Advantageously, this feature alsoprevents inadvertent damage to the paint layer of the side of thevehicle 11 from movement during motion of the vehicle. The retentiondevice 32 may comprise a flexible retention arm with a medial bump 33configured to require the first flexible arm 14 to flex upward and out(see dashed line in FIG. 6) when being moved out of the retractedposition. The retention device 32 also includes a proximal portion 34extending outward from the side of the vehicle 11. In other embodiments,the retention device 32 may comprise an interface lock, a magnetic lock,or a spring loaded locking mechanism.

In another embodiment, the safety sign device 10 illustratively includesan image sensor device, and associated memory/processing circuitrycoupled thereto. In this embodiment, the safety sign device 10 alsoincludes a sensor configured to detect when the first flexible arm 14 isflexed beyond a threshold limit while in the extended position, forexample, greater than 20 degrees from rest position (threshold degreecould be between 10-45 degrees). When the sensor is triggered, the imagesensor device would record the area adjacent and underneath the firstflexible arm 14 for record keeping purposes.

Another aspect is directed to a method for making a safety sign device10 for a vehicle 11. The method includes coupling a first hinge 19 to aproximal end of a first sign 12, the first hinge being coupled to a sideof the vehicle 11, coupling a second hinge 20 to a distal end of thefirst sign, and coupling a medial portion of a second sign 13 to thesecond hinge. The method also includes coupling an arm 17 between thesecond sign 13 and the side of the vehicle 11, the arm configured toextend and retract the first and second signs 12-13 between a retractedposition and an extended position. The first and second signs 12-13 aretransverse to each other in the extended position, and are flat againstthe side of the vehicle 11 in the retracted position. The methodcomprises coupling a first flexible arm 14 to the first sign 12 andcomprising an elongate housing 16, and a plurality of visual indicators21 a-211 carried by the elongate housing, the first flexible arm beingsubstantially parallel to the first sign.

Referring now additionally to FIGS. 7-8, another embodiment of thesafety sign device 110 is now described. In this embodiment of thesafety sign device 110, those elements already discussed above withrespect to FIGS. 1-6 are incremented by 100 and most require no furtherdiscussion herein. This embodiment differs from the previous embodimentin that this safety sign device 110 illustratively includes a first sign112 having proximal and distal end, and a first hinge 119 being coupledto the proximal end of the first sign. The first hinge 119 isillustratively coupled to a side of the vehicle 111.

The safety sign device 110 illustratively includes a second sign 113being coupled to the side of the vehicle 111 and being substantiallyparallel (±20° within parallel) to the side of the vehicle. The firsthinge 119 is configured to extend and retract the first sign 112 betweena retracted position (i.e. flat against the side of the vehicle 111) andan extended position, as perhaps best seen in FIG. 8 (i.e. substantiallyperpendicular with the side of the vehicle: 75-105 degrees of angle).The first and second signs 112, 113 are transverse to each other in theextended position. In particular, the first and second signs 112, 113are substantially perpendicular to each other in the extended position,i.e. between 75-105 degrees. The first and second signs 112, 113 may beflat (i.e. substantially parallel to the side of vehicle) against theside of the vehicle 111 in the retracted position.

The safety sign device 110 illustratively includes a first flexible arm114 coupled to the first hinge 119 and comprising an elongate housing116, and a plurality of visual indicators carried by the elongatehousing. The first flexible arm 114 is substantially parallel to thefirst sign 112. In particular, in a rest/non-flexed state, the firstflexible arm 114 is within 20 degrees of parallel to the first sign 112.

In particular, the second sign 113 is immovably fixed to the side of thevehicle 111, and is permanently mounted, which in contrast to theembodiments of FIGS. 1-6. The safety sign device 110 illustrativelyincludes an L-shaped arm 140-141 coupled between the first hinge 119 andthe first flexible arm 114. Since the L-shaped arm 140-141 is coupled tothe first hinge 119, when the first sign 112 is placed in the extendedposition, the L-shaped arm 140-141 is also similarly extended viarotation.

Of course, the L-shaped arm 140-141 is merely exemplary and could beshaped differently, such as canted single arm. The L-shaped arm 140-141may comprise a material (e.g. steel, aluminum) of sufficient mechanicalstrength to carry the first flexible arm 114 and absorb potential impactfrom errant vehicles.

Although not shown in this embodiment, the safety sign device 110 mayinclude a motor coupled to the first hinge 119 and configured to togglethe first sign 112 between the extended and retracted positions. In someembodiments, the vehicle 111 includes a control panel (mounted on theinterior for use by the driver) for actuating the motor. The controlpanel would permit selective actuation of the motor and temporarydisablement of the actuation when the vehicle lacks the clearance toextend the first flexible arm 114.

In some embodiments, the motor may be actuated via a wired/wirelessremote control, and in other embodiments, the safety sign device 110 mayinclude a controller with a wireless transceiver (e.g. cellulartransceiver, IEEE 802.11x transceiver, Bluetooth transceiver). Thewireless transceiver would permit remote actuation of the motor over theInternet, such as via a mobile cellular phone software application.

Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the safety sign device 110 ismounted to a longitudinal side of the vehicle 111. In other embodiments,the safety sign device 110 can be mounted to a rear side or a front sideof the vehicle 111. In yet other embodiments, the safety sign device 110can mounted on a tailgate lift or platform attached to the side of thevehicle 111.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-19, a safety sign device 210 according to thepresent disclosure is now described. The safety sign device 210 is for avehicle 244. The safety sign device 210 illustratively includes a hinge211 being coupled a side of the vehicle 244. The hinge 211 includes aknuckle housing 218, a pin 212 received by the knuckle housing, and atoggle fitting 213 coupled to the pin in a fixed rotational position. Inother words, the toggle fitting 213 rotates in alignment with the pin212.

The toggle fitting 213 illustratively comprises an axial passageway 214extending between major surfaces. The axial passageway 214 receives thepin 212 and defines a slotted recess 215 for interface locking with thepin. The toggle fitting 213 comprises a fitting passageway 216 extendingbetween major surfaces.

The hinge 211 illustratively comprises a link assembly 217 coupled tothe pin 212 and being rotatable about the pin. The link assembly 217comprises first and second link arms 220 a-220 b coupled to the pin 212,and the first and second link arms are rotatable about the pin. Asperhaps best seen in FIG. 17, each of the first and second link arms 220a-220 b comprises first and second link passageways 221 a-221 b, anddefines a longitudinal notch 228. The link assembly 217 illustrativelycomprises a first assembly pin 222 a extending through the first linkpassageway 221 a of the first and second link arms 220 a-220 b, and thefitting passageway 216 of the toggle fitting 213.

The safety sign device 210 includes an arm 219 comprising an elongatebase 223, and an electric motor 224 coupled to the elongate base and thelink assembly 217. The safety sign device 210 includes a power cable 247coupled between the electric motor 224 and a power system of the vehicle244.

In particular, the electric motor 224 illustratively comprises a linearactuator comprising a motor housing 225, and a motor arm 226 extendinglongitudinally from the motor housing. The motor arm 226 comprises anarm passageway at a distal end thereof. The link assembly 217illustratively comprises a second assembly pin 222 b extending throughthe second link passageway 221 b of the first and second link arms 220a-220 b, and the arm passageway of the electric motor 224.

The arm 219 illustratively comprises an elongate housing 230 coupled tothe elongate base 223, and a plurality of visual indicators 227 a-227 ncarried by the elongate housing. The arm 219 comprises a connectionassembly 231 coupled between the elongate base 223 and the elongatehousing 23. The connection assembly 231 comprises first and secondelastic devices 232 a-232 b (e.g. illustrated coil springs) coupled toadjacent portions of the elongate base 223. The connection assembly 231further comprises a retention plate 233 coupled to the elongate housing230, first and second flexible strips 234 a-234 b coupled to theretention plate 233, and a housing 235 receiving the first and secondflexible strips opposite the retention plate. Also, the housing 235receives the first and second elastic devices 232 a-232 b respectivelyon opposing surfaces of the housing.

The housing 235 is movable between the first and second elastic devices232 a-232 b, providing a pivoting motion. Due to this motion of thehousing 235, the connection assembly 231 is configured to permit theelongate housing 230 to be flexible with respect to the elongate base223.

As perhaps best seen in FIG. 11, the safety sign device 210illustratively comprises a sign assembly 236 coupled to the arm 219 andbeing substantially parallel to the arm (i.e. within 20 degrees ofparallel to each other). The sign assembly 236 illustratively comprisesa sign 237, and first and second vertical arms 240 a-240 b coupledbetween the elongate housing 230 and the sign. The sign assemblyincludes a plurality of sign visual indicators 241 a-241 b coupled tothe sign, and first and second slotted housings 242 a-242 b receivingthe elongate housing 230 and the first and second vertical arms 240a-240 b.

The sign assembly 236 illustratively comprises a plurality of flexibleprotrusions 243 a-243 b coupled respectively to the first and secondslotted housings 242 a-242 b. The elongate housing 230 also includesadditional flexible protrusions 243 c-243 d carried thereon. Theplurality of flexible protrusions 243 a-243 d may comprise a rubber orplastic polymer material and may provide additional impact resistance.

The electric motor 224 is configured to extend and retract the arm 219between a retracted position and an extended position. As perhaps bestseen in FIGS. 13-14, the motor arm 226 is retracted within the motorhousing 225, placing the arm 219 into the retracted position. Theelectric motor 224 is configured to extend the motor arm 226, and thiscauses rotational motion of the first and second link arms 220 a-220 bso that the longitudinal notch 228 is abutting the pin 212. Since theelectric motor 224 is coupled to the elongate base 223, the rotationalswing of the first and second link arms 220 a-220 b also rotates the arm219 into the extended position.

Moreover, the plurality of visual indicators 227 a-227 n and theplurality of sign visual indicators 241 a-241 b are configured to beactivated when the arm 219 is in the extended position. The elongatehousing 230 comprises opposing first and second longitudinal sides, andthe plurality of visual indicators 227 a-227 n are carried on both ofthe opposing first and second longitudinal sides.

As perhaps best seen in FIG. 10B, the plurality of visual indicators 227a-227 n are provided by three multicolored LED strips. Of course, thethree strips are exemplary and other arrangements could be used.Moreover, the elongate housing 230 illustratively comprises first andsecond opaque rigid members 245 a-245 b flanking the three multicoloredLED strips, and a transparent member 246 covering the three multicoloredLED strips and being between the first and second opaque rigid members.

Another aspect is directed to a method for making a safety sign device210 for a vehicle 244. The method includes coupling a hinge 211 to aside of the vehicle 244, and coupling an arm 219 to the hinge. The arm219 includes an elongate base 223, an electric motor 224 coupled to theelongate base, an elongate housing 230 coupled to the elongate base, anda plurality of visual indicators 227 a-227 n carried by the elongatehousing. The method further includes coupling a sign 237 to the arm 219and being substantially parallel to the arm. The hinge 211 comprises apin 212, and a link assembly 217 coupled between the pin and theelectric motor 224 and being rotatable about the pin. The electric motor224 is configured to extend and retract the arm 219 between a retractedposition and an extended position.

Referring now additionally to FIG. 20, another embodiment of the safetysign device 310 is now described. In this embodiment of the safety signdevice 310, those elements already discussed above with respect to FIGS.9-19 are incremented by 100 and most require no further discussionherein. This embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in thatthis safety sign device 310 illustratively includes a sign assembly 336on a distal end of the elongate housing 330.

This sign assembly 336 may be used in addition or in alternative to thesign assembly 236 of the prior embodiment. Moreover, it should beappreciated that either of the safety sign devices 210, 310 may includeone or more signs attached to the surface of the vehicle 244.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure willcome to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of theteachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associateddrawings. Therefore, it is understood that the present disclosure is notto be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and thatmodifications and embodiments are intended to be included within thescope of the appended claims.

1. A safety sign device for a vehicle, the safety sign devicecomprising: a hinge being coupled a side of the vehicle; and an armcomprising an elongate base, an electric motor coupled to said elongatebase, an elongate housing coupled to said elongate base, and a pluralityof visual indicators carried by said elongate housing; a sign coupled tosaid arm and being substantially parallel to said arm; said hingecomprising a pin, and a link assembly coupled between said pin and saidelectric motor and being rotatable about said pin; said electric motorconfigured to extend and retract said arm between a retracted positionand an extended position.
 2. The safety sign device of claim 1 whereinsaid link assembly comprises first and second link arms coupled betweensaid pin and said electric motor; and wherein said first and second linkarms are rotatable about said pin.
 3. The safety sign device of claim 1wherein said arm comprises a connection assembly coupled between saidelongate base and said elongate housing; wherein said connectionassembly comprises first and second elastic devices coupled to adjacentportions of said elongate base; and wherein said connection assembly isconfigured to permit said elongate housing to be flexible with respectto said elongate base.
 4. The safety sign device of claim 3 wherein saidconnection assembly comprises first and second flexible strips coupledto said elongate housing, and a housing receiving said first and secondflexible strips opposite said elongate housing.
 5. The safety signdevice of claim 4 wherein said housing receives said first and secondelastic devices respectively on opposing surfaces of said housing; andwherein said housing is movable between said first and second elasticdevices.
 6. The safety sign device of claim 1 wherein said plurality ofvisual indicators is configured to be activated when said arm is in theextended position.
 7. The safety sign device of claim 1 wherein saidelongate housing comprises opposing first and second longitudinal sides;and wherein said plurality of visual indicators are carried on both ofsaid opposing first and second longitudinal sides.
 8. The safety signdevice of claim 1 further comprising an image sensor, and a sensorcoupled to said image sensor and configured to detect when said arm isflexed beyond a threshold limit while in the extended position.
 9. Thesafety sign device of claim 8 wherein when said sensor is triggered,said image sensor device is configured to record an area adjacent saidarm.
 10. A safety sign device for a vehicle, the safety sign devicecomprising: a hinge being coupled a side of the vehicle; and an armcomprising an elongate base, an electric motor coupled to said elongatebase, an elongate housing coupled to said elongate base, a connectionassembly coupled between said elongate base and said elongate housingand comprising first and second elastic devices coupled to adjacentportions of said elongate base, said connection assembly configured topermit said elongate housing to be flexible with respect to saidelongate base, and a plurality of visual indicators carried by saidelongate housing; a sign coupled to said arm and being substantiallyparallel to said arm; said hinge comprising a pin, and a link assemblycomprising first and second link arms coupled between said pin and saidelectric motor, said first and second link arms being rotatable aboutsaid pin; said electric motor configured to extend and retract said armbetween a retracted position and an extended position.
 11. The safetysign device of claim 10 wherein said connection assembly comprises firstand second flexible strips coupled to said elongate housing, and ahousing receiving said first and second flexible strips opposite saidelongate housing.
 12. The safety sign device of claim 11 wherein saidhousing receives said first and second elastic devices respectively onopposing surfaces of said housing; and wherein said housing is movablebetween said first and second elastic devices.
 13. The safety signdevice of claim 10 wherein said plurality of visual indicators isconfigured to be activated when said arm is in the extended position.14. The safety sign device of claim 10 wherein said elongate housingcomprises opposing first and second longitudinal sides; and wherein saidplurality of visual indicators are carried on both of said opposingfirst and second longitudinal sides.
 15. The safety sign device of claim10 further comprising an image sensor, and a sensor coupled to saidimage sensor and configured to detect when said arm is flexed beyond athreshold limit while in the extended position.
 16. The safety signdevice of claim 15 wherein when said sensor is triggered, said imagesensor device is configured to record an area adjacent said arm.
 17. Amethod for making a safety sign device for a vehicle, the methodcomprising: coupling a hinge to a side of the vehicle; coupling an armto the hinge, the arm comprising an elongate base, an electric motorcoupled to the elongate base, an elongate housing coupled to theelongate base, and a plurality of visual indicators carried by theelongate housing; and coupling a sign to the arm and being substantiallyparallel to the arm; the hinge comprising a pin, and a link assemblycoupled between the pin and the electric motor and being rotatable aboutthe pin; the electric motor configured to extend and retract the armbetween a retracted position and an extended position.
 18. The method ofclaim 17 wherein the link assembly comprises first and second link armscoupled between the pin and the electric motor; and wherein the firstand second link arms are rotatable about the pin.
 19. The method ofclaim 17 wherein the arm comprises a connection assembly coupled betweenthe elongate base and the elongate housing; wherein the connectionassembly comprises first and second elastic devices coupled to adjacentportions of the elongate base; and wherein the connection assembly isconfigured to permit the elongate housing to be flexible with respect tothe elongate base.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein the connectionassembly comprises first and second flexible strips coupled to theelongate housing, and a housing receiving the first and second flexiblestrips opposite the elongate housing.